About the IB
When we talk about education and what it means, what we really want to know is how to instil in our students the knowledge that will make them better learners and better people. How can we be sure that we send them off into life with the skills they really need to grow and develop in a successful, happy way? Now in our 50th year, we're more dedicated than ever to developing international education that creates a better world.
The IB offers an education for students from age 3 to 19, comprising of four programmes that focus on teaching students to think critically and independently, and how to inquire with care and logic. The IB prepares students to succeed in a world where facts and fiction merge in the news, and where asking the right questions is a crucial skill that will allow them to flourish long after they’ve left our programmes. We are supported by IB teachers and coordinators who develop and promote the IB’s curriculums in almost 5,000 schools globally every day, in over 150 countries around the world.
Learn about the IB
The IB's mission
Since it was founded in 1968, the IB’s mission has been built on a cornerstone of creating a better world through education. We believe that now more than ever, and are committed to ensuring that our educational programmes reflect this for the benefit of IB schools and students.
The IB's leadership
Our leadership panel is comprised of the Board of Governors, the Director General, and the Senior Leadership Team who support the IB’s mission globally, and advance research that consistently improves the work of the IB.
The IB by country
The IB has a presence in over 150 countries throughout the world. There are IB World Schools across the globe, and universities worldwide recognize the strength of our programmes.
Research
Research plays a central role in the development, quality assurance, and assessment of impact of IB programmes and services. The IB both conducts its own research and partners with leading universities and research institutions across the world.
Facts and figures
A selection of regularly updated data that shows the reach of the IB globally, as well as access to further information on the IB’s mission and educational philosophy.
Programmes
The four programmes offered by the IB cover all stages of a student's educational life from age 3 - 19. With an innovative, international approach, students learn in ways that develop their full potential. Find out more about our unique approach to learning and teaching.
Alumni shaping the future
To celebrate the IB’s 50th anniversary, we’d like you to meet some of our alumni who graduated from the IB Diploma Programme and went on to report from war zones, change the lives of refugees, create beautiful music, and soar through space.
Community stories
Follow news from the IB's global community and read about what students, teachers, schools and other members of the community are up to.
Featured alumni stories
IB alumni are sharing their stories and highlighting what made their own experiences at school so memorable.